Hey guys, I've always loved lo-fi and the unique productions involving the 404, I just never got around to getting my hands on one. I recently looked up the general price of a 404 and saw it that my budget didn't fit it's range(i plan on saving up). I figured I'd ask you guys if you thought it was worth it in the long run to have purchased your 404s', or if there's something else that would be a better run for my money that has the same powerful punch the 404 has. Thanks in advance.

i started on the akai s2000 back in the 90's and used software a lot and mpc's from friends. now i use the 404 most of the time. a mpc is dope too but the 404 seems to have a faster workflow for me. some people here like the zoom sampletrak a lot which is a little cheaper (2nd hand) but still very powerful. never tried one though. the 404 is definitely a lot of serious fun. if i were on an lonely island with a 404, records and turntable i would be completely happy. musicwise that is:)

but i remember there where some things on the 404 which i hated when i first got it but now they don't bother me anymore. but it depends on what you used before to make music. all in all i think everybody should have a 404:)

with all of its limitations there's still nothing i'd rather be making beats on. i love the simplicity of it and no screens/menus

Ease of use is a very appealing factor. Really simple and quick to record sounds, process them, and sequence into beats.

So glad I got a 404!

I came from a software DAW background. I have a 303 which I started using more and more, then I decided to upgrade. My 404sx has everything (almost) I need in one box. Never been so excited for music making since I got one.

i started with a laptop and controller, then mpc and a few other bits, now all 404, constant downgrades which says alot about the sp. i have a sampletrack but only outputs in mono, i highly recomend one if your funds are limited, you can still get your resample on

THRUTH

It is worth having, but is not my end-all tool.. could be though. The first setup I had was a DR-202 and SP-202. Was great(wish I still had them), but limitations grew as I bought Reason 1 when it came out. Now having Maschine, Ableton, and Komplete, I feel limitless. Its sometimes a problem with me as too many options can flood my mind. With my Sp404sx, I am given rules from the limitations, abide by them and move on. If I can just have one piece of my gear though, the SX will be the one(battery powered, unhooked from puter, sample storage space, compact, and fun).

thanks everyone for the terrific advice, i'm going to start saving up to get myself one, can't wait!